The Basics of WhatsApp Netiquette ❤️

On WhatsApp Netiquette

The Basics of WhatsApp Netiquette For Individuals

Simple and effective steps for grace and decorum in online communication through WhatsApp. 

1. Have a Good Display Pic / Profile Photo: WhatsApp is an amazing alternative for face-to-face communication. Hence, if you do a lot of official communication, it is always preferable to have a photo of yours on your profile slot.

2. Updating your ‘ABOUT’ line: Since WhatsApp acts as a substitute for face-to-face communication, the receiver may not be able to gauge, sense or predict your temperament, emotions or body language on the virtual mode. 

Hence it is always advisable to update your ABOUT status very often. 

So in case, you’re ‘Driving’, the sender will decide against messaging you. 

If you’re ‘Busy’, the sender may not want to call you or text you immediately. 

If you’re ‘At Work’ the sender will think twice before they call you.

3. Respect their ‘Personal Space’: Sometimes your receiver may not be able to reply to your message for any many reasons. Try to empathize with their situation as well.

They may be driving, or in a meeting, or on call, or at work. Don’t continue to bombard them with a string of messages. Chances are, they may block you for life after that! 

On any given day, your teachers might receive hundreds of messages from present and past students. So they may not be able to reply to all those hundreds of messages instantly. They might want to take time off their busy schedules to reply to you. 

Giving you a sample screenshot of my message line-up snapped just recently. This is the case with most of us - your teachers! 😊

To every one their own sweet commitments, ain't it? So take care to respect their spaces as well!

4. First-time Message: Remember, first impressions are best impressions – both virtual and real as well! 

So when you message a person for the very first time, never begin with a ‘Hi’ or a ‘hw r u’! It not only looks silly and absurd, but the receiver may even tend to block you for this highly insane salutation. 

In such situations, netiquette demands that you introduce yourself in as polite a way as possible when you message your contact for the very first time.

5. Official / formal communication: Never resort to an excessive use of emoticons unless you are confident and convinced about what each and every emoticon stands for. 

Etiquette demands that, when your receiver has not used an emoji / emoticon, you need not use them as well. Do not shove down a volley of emojis on your unsuspecting receiver who may be baffled at your emoji onslaught.

6. On ‘DP’ Photos: Family photos / group photos / picnic photos on your DP (Display Picture) are fine if you’re holidaying or celebrating an anniversary or birthday, or on weekends. 

But if you’re usually on office work, or on duty, it’s always better to have your own personal profile picture on your DP.

7. On Video / Audio Sharing: When you share a video or audio file with someone, NETiquette demands that, you also add a brief descriptor to what’s contained in it. For example, ‘This video is about…’ or ‘This audio contains …’ etc. 

Added, never forward any horror videos, adult videos or embarrassing videos etc., to anyone, without adding a caution-note to them!

8. On Rumours / Scandals: Never forward rumours, posts that are detrimental to the nation’s interests, unconfirmed doctor’s prescriptions, malicious propaganda, character assassination etc.

9. Being Courteous and Kind: Always be courteous, kind and gentle in all your conversations. Never be rude or abrupt. 

Remember you’re substituting for face-to-face communication. Courtesy and grace always make a good impact on the receiver, while on the other hand, rude and indecent conversation can be a dampener to any conversation.

10. Never reply when in Anger: The rule of thumb is, when you’re irritated or angry, never ever respond to any message. 

Wait for your anger to subside. Grab a cup of coffee, or drink some water, watch some TV, or read some newspaper, take a walk or listen to some soulful music. Only after you are much convinced, that your anger quotient has come down to a zero, take out your phone, and give a polite reply.

11. Avoid Asking ‘Essay Type’ Questions on WhatsApp!

There are some who keep asking ‘essay type questions’ on WhatsApp! Your teacher may be put off by such questions, since they’ll have hundreds of their students messaging them on their queries and doubts every hour of the day! 

Like for example, 

‘How do I prepare for my NET, Sir?

‘How do I build a good CV for myself, Sir?’

‘How do I apply for my transcripts, Sir'?

‘What are the types of questions they’ll ask me during the final interview, Sir’?

‘Is it advisable to apply to this University, Sir’?

These questions require lengthy answers which some might want to avoid texting it out on phone, since it might consume a lot of time. 

And when a teacher replies to one student, chances are, there might be a bevy of others who might also want to get their own share of answers from their teacher. 

Hence, whenever you have such essay-type questions, it’s better to call your teacher or meet them in person.

image: freepikdotcom